Contents

Understand

The Stellenbosch Powder House, surrounded by the oaks for which the city is famous

Stellenbosch (founded in 1679) is about 50 km east of Cape Town and is the second oldest town in South Africa. It was named (like Simon's Town) after the former Governor Simon van der Stel. The town is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ('First River') and has some fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. It is also known as 'Eikestad' ('Oak City') because of its oak tree lined streets. Wines from the Stellenbosch region are known internationally and rank among the best in the world. Stellenbosch is also home to one of the country's oldest established universities with over 25000 students. There is a bustling night life during the university term-time, with many night clubs catering for young people.

Get in

By bus

A van service runs from hostels in Cape Town to Stellenbosch for about R120/pp, depending on how many passengers there are (just one and it's R200)[2]. The main bus companies also go to Stellenbosch.

By train

MetroRail [3] operates a regular train service to Stellenbosch from Cape Town via Bellville. Check the schedule, as trains do not run very often. It is also advisable to travel in groups and avoid busy travel times in the morning and evening on weekdays. The train station is on Adam Tas Street, on the western edge of town ; it is only a few minutes walk from the station to the city centre.

By plane

Stellenbosch has its own airfield but the nearest international airport is near Cape Town. Cape Town International airport is about 35 minutes away by car and airport shuttle service is available.

By car

Stellenbosch lies approximately 60km from Cape Town. Drive on either the N1 or N2 highway.
If on the N1, exit at the R304 towards Stellenbosch.
If on the the N2, exit at the R310 (Baden Powell Drive) and follow the signs.
The N1 is generally considered to be the safer route, particularly at night.

Get around

Stellenbosch is small enough that the entire city centre can easily be covered on foot. The Tourism Bureau also has a few cycles to rent. A curiosity is that there are no street signs. If you look closely you will see that the street names are indicated in yellow (in Afrikaans) on the edge of the sidewalks.

See

A walking tour of Stellenbosch provides fascinating glimpses of colonial Dutch architecture. The Stellenbosch Tourism and Information Bureau, 36 Market St., [4] organizes one and a half hour guided tours at 11.00 and 15.00 Monday to Friday (R80pp) and special groups can also be arranged for on request. Alternatively, buy the brochure "Historical Stellenbosch on Foot" from the Bureau for R5 and guide yourselves.

Stellenbosch Museum, Ryneveldstreet 37, ☎0218872948, [5]. The Stellenbosch Village Museum consists of four adjacent houses of historical interest. Each of these homes represents a different period in the architectural development of the city. The houses, their interiors and their gardens have been restored, and furnished, to illustrate the particular style and taste of the time.

The Powder House, Bloem St (close to the Information Centre). Powder, lead and flint were supplied to the inhabitants of Stellenbosch.During the first quarter of the 18th Century the annual allowance was 150 pounds of gunpowder, 100 ponds of lead bullets and 300 flintlock stones. This was delivered at the end of September each year for distribution to the citizen army. To avoid damage to the city in the event of an explosion the Powder House was situated away from the main town. These days it houses a small collection of weapons.R5.

Theological Seminary, Dorp St.. On the site of the original settlement, which was on an island in the Eerste River until one of its watercourses was filled in. This became the first university-level institution in 1859. The garden contains two pines from Norfolk Island, near Australia, which the University's students sometimes like to climb!

Do

Wine tours

Buy

Stellenbosch is not short of tourist shops. If you are tempted to take some of the local wine home, don't forget that it will not be accepted in airline hand luggage!

Oom Samie se Winkel means "Uncle Samie's Shop" in Afrikaans. The shop is situated near the lower end of Dorp Street. You will find wines from the local wine estates, antiques, confectionary, sweets, jams, furniture and curios.

Champagne (Chabivin (Champagne & MCC house)), Blaauklippen road (Paradyskloof) (www.chabivin.co.za), ☎021 8801643, [7]. 9-5. New Champagne & MCC house in Stellenbosch!! Come and relax @Chabivin's Eucalyptus amphitheater while live music and cold bubbles make you appreciate the finer things in life... Either outside on the lawn on giant pillows or inside our rustic tasting room!

Chabivin ((Champagne & MCC house)), Blaauwklippen Rd, Paradyskloof (www.chabivin.co.za), ☎021 8801643, [8]. 9-5. New Champagne & MCC house in Stellenbosch!! Come and relax @Chabivin's Eucalyptus amphitheater while live music and cold bubbles make you appreciate the finer things in life... Either outside on the lawn on giant pillows or inside our rustic tasting room!

Eat

A Church Street Bistro.

There are many good restaurants in the town. The area around Church Street is informally known as the local restaurant district, with approximately 19 venues within a four block radius.

Jan Cats Grand Cafe, Brasserie and Lounge, corner of Dorp and Andringa, ☎+27 (0)21 887-3644. One of the oldest restaurants is town with a rich history. The restaurant has a versatile menu serving both local and international cuisine at sidewalk tables and in the main restaurant area. For a more casual experience the Grand Cafe is where you can relax, enjoy a rustic ambiance and perhaps endulge in a cigar or 2. Serving a variety of food, from 600g monster burgers to simple breakfasts starting from R9.50.

Slowfood Market, Corner of Bosmans&Distilery rd, [13]. Sa 9AM-4PM.. There is a festive atmosphere and a variety of local foods to choose from. Come and see what the locals are up to and indulge in a aray of fresh produce, seafood, luxury bakes and fresly baked breads

Wijnhuis, Cnr Church and Andringa, Central, ☎+27 (0)21 887-5844 (wijnhuis@mweb.co.za), [14]. Wijnhuis offers a wine tasting lounge, wine shop and restaurant in a charming setting situated in the heart of the old town. It is a bustling meeting place for visitors to Stellenbosch, locals and students alike.

Sleep

Banghoek Place, 193 Banghoek Road, Campus, ☎+27 (0)21 887-0048 (info@banghoek.co.za), [15]. Great value double rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool and safe on site parking. Dorm available too. Very helpful and friendly staff. Guests are rather relaxed and calm, so a good night's sleep is guaranteed.From R100pp.

Cultivar Guest Lodge, Bonniemile Road, Off M12 (25 km from Cape Town International Airport. They are easily accessible from the N1 in Cape Town, and N2 in Cape Town, George, and Somerset West. If you are coming from Franschhoek or Paarl, you can take the R310 or R44, respectively.), ☎+27 (0) 82 327 3344 (info@culti-var.co.za), [16]. All rooms equipped with Cable television, Air-conditioning, Private patio in select rooms, Fully equipped kitchen/kitchenette and dining area in select rooms. Some of its facilities and services are Room service, Barbeque facilities, Massage treatments, Swimming pool, Laundry service, Secure parking, Shuttle service and Daily excursions and airport transfers - on request.Rates Start at 1230.00 ZAR.

de Oude Ryneveld, 71 Ryneveld Street (5 minutes walk from the center), ☎+27 (0)21 887-7221 (boris@deouderyneveld.com), [25]. Cosy three star guesthouse with various neat double rooms. Private toilet, washbasin and bath/shower. Good breakfast with the current newspaper, possibly with English breakfast and/or fruit with muesli and delicious youghurt. Can also be eaten outside. Very friendly service, quiet location. Optionally you can rent a bike, a relaxed beach cruiser. On the rooftop you can enjoy the setting sun. Each room has a desk and free internet.From R400pp.

Get out

Visit the nearby vineyards of the Cape Winelands. Maps, information on vineyards that receive and accommodate visitors and advice on getting to them is all available from the very helpful people at the Tourism and Information Bureau [29]. Other activities available in the area include whitewater rafting and tour organizers can also be found at the Bureau.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!